President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday openly said that he derives joy from watching opposition parties struggle to organize themselves, adding that he has no plans to assist them.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja to mark Democracy Day, Tinubu urged opposition parties to focus on resolving their internal challenges instead of blaming others.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” Tinubu stated.
Amid ongoing defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Tinubu dismissed concerns that his administration is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party system.
“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC,” he said.
The President said he welcomed new defectors from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, alongside members of the National Assembly.
“I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly,” Tinubu said. “We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population. Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition beneficial to national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.”
The President also announced national honours for several Nigerians, including the late Kudirat Abiola, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Ken Saro-Wiwa.
In addition, Tinubu revealed plans to grant presidential pardons to these individuals and others.
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” he added.
